Monarch Academy for ND Youth & Young Adults

02/07/2026

Client Feedback Shared With Permission

The only thing that tops a parent’s positive feedback, is knowing that a neurodivergent child was set up to be understood within a system that regularly misses their perspective. Glad to be of service to another happy client. 🖖🏿

12/16/2025

Caring for neurodivergent , as I call them, requires nerves of steel. In addition to averting your eyes at crucial moments of impact, parents/caregivers of kiddos like this also learn the importance allowing the child to experience the dignity of failure.

09/23/2025

We often pour encouragement into our kids, friends, and other parents but it’s just as vital to speak kindness and strength to ourselves. This is even more true if you’re a neurodivergent parent caring for neurodivergent children. Our kiddos are always listening and watching how we treat others….and how we treat ourselves.

Here are a few daily affirmations by beloved Sesame Street characters, designed to start a spark of positive self talk and be a model for little ones around us of showing kindness towards ourselves. Simple phrases like “I am good enough.” can shift the mindset of a parent, and set a great example for others around you. If you’re saying, “ This seems “lame” or “corny” Dr Amaris. Maybe.

But here’s a question, if you had to choose between a corny positive affirmation and negative self talk, which one would you want your child to pick up from watching you?
It’s never too late to start being the you that you want your kiddo to look up to. Why not start today?

Parents and caregivers can find additional support and resources at Sesame.org, a wonderful place dedicated to nurturing families like yours.

For personalized guidance tailored to your family’s unique needs, I’m here to help. As Dr. Amaris Avellan at Monarch Academy for Neurodiverse Youth, I offer educational consultation services that celebrate neurodiversity and provide practical strategies to help your child—and your family—thrive.

Remember, the love and encouragement you give yourself fuels the love and encouragement you give your children. You are doing an amazing job. Keep speaking kindly to yourself.

09/23/2025

09/01/2025

✨ DCF-Approved Parenting Class – Virtual ✨

Splits Aren’t for Kids – Parent Education & Family Stabilization Course
Hosted by Monarch Academy for Neurodiverse Youth and Adults
Facilitated by Dr. Amaris Avellan

📅 Final 2025 Class Dates (9 AM – 3 PM, Virtual):

Sept 20 | Oct 1 | Nov 15 | Dec 15

🎉 Back-to-School Promo: 50% OFF when you register before Oct 1, 2025
💻 Court & DCF Approved in Florida
💡 Virtual | Efficient | Accessible
📉 Sliding scale tuition available

09/01/2025

✨ DCF-Approved Parenting Class – Virtual ✨

Splits Aren’t for Kids – Parent Education & Family Stabilization Course
Hosted by Monarch Academy for Neurodiverse Youth and Adults
Facilitated by Dr. Amaris Avellan

📅 Final 2025 Class Dates (9 AM – 3 PM, Virtual):

Sept 20 | Oct 1 | Nov 15 | Dec 15

🎉 Back-to-School Promo: 50% OFF when you register before Oct 1, 2025
💻 Court & DCF Approved in Florida
💡 Virtual | Efficient | Accessible
📉 Sliding scale tuition available

👉 Register here: https://dramariswithmany.setmore.com

👉 Sliding scale application: https://forms.gle/waTDGYm4HKSpUgbFA

📩 Questions? Contact: [email protected]

07/24/2025

Join Woodlawn Presbyterian Church USA Health and Wellness Ministry on August 2nd, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Family Life Center, Woodlawn Baptist Church, Jacksonville, FL for the "Spring Into Health Summer 2025 Health and Wellness Fair." This event is FREE and will be a day full of health and nutrition information, community connection, and fun!

This vibrant event features:
✅ Free health screenings and services
✅ Informative talks on health topics important to the African American community
✅ Delicious healthy food demos and food trucks with traditional & vegan options
✅ Cool treats like shave ice & honey drippers
✅ Kid-friendly fun — bounce houses, lawn games, giveaways, and more!

Come out, prioritize your health, learn new tips, try a recipe in a new healthy way, all while enjoying a fantastic fellowship opportunity with the Woodlawn UPC family! Save The Date, Tell a Friend, and Join us for day of celebrating health!

We can't wait to see you there!

07/17/2025

What if.....the "stank face" we all remember so well from the classic film "Drumline" was actually capturing the actor's brain being rewired in real time?

Looking for a Drumming Group for a neurodiverse teen?
Join the "Walking to the Beat of Our Own DrumLine" or "Rhythm on the Spectrum" drumline group facilitated by UF Health Neurodevelopmental Pediatric Center. (More Information Below)

New research shows that drum-based training not only improves focus and behavior in a neurodiverse group of teens (especially those with ADHD and Autistic), it also strengthens brain regions tied to self-control and executive function.

In a recent study, teens who received just two drum lessons per week for 8 weeks showed:
✔️ Reduced hyperactivity and inattention
✔️ Stronger brain connectivity in areas tied to impulse control and decision-making
✔️ Boosted self-regulation and task-follow-through

Whether it’s through live Drumline sessions or gamified rhythm tools — the beat isn’t just fun... it’s therapeutic. While we do not know if the actors playing the roles of drummers in the movie are neurodivergent in any way, we do know that human brain maintains plasticity throughout life and could likely experience the changes experienced by the teenagers in the research group.

Looking for a Drumming Group for a neurodiverse teen?
Join the "Walking to the Beat of Our Own DrumLine" or "Rhythm on the Spectrum" drumline group facilitated by UF Health Neurodevelopmental Pediatric Center.

Upcoming Session Dates:
Tuesday, July 15, 2025 @ 5:30PM
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 @ 5:30PM
Tuesday, August 12, 2025 @ 5:30PM
Location: UF Health Neurodevelopmental Pediatric Center, 6271 St. Augustine Rd.
Register via Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walking-to-the-beat-of-our-own-drum-line-tickets-1124580172569?aff=oddtdtcreator
For more information, please contact [email protected]